FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Residents and business owners owing ground rent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been handed a final warning: settle your debts or prepare to forfeit your property.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, issued the stern notice on Monday in Abuja, declaring that enforcement will begin immediately after the expiration of the grace period on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists after touring major infrastructure projects in Wuse and Life Camp, Wike said the administration would no longer tolerate delays from defaulters who have repeatedly ignored ample opportunities to pay.
According to him, the government has shown more than enough leniency.
“You realise that when we started this enforcement, we also had a presidential intervention to give them two to three weeks more,” he said.
“It is more than four months now, and we cannot carry out projects without people paying their taxes.”
Wike, visibly displeased with the low compliance rate, said many Nigerians who often complain about government services refuse to fulfil basic obligations.
“We did also make publications about extending the deadline and of course, you know they like to rush. If you don’t go and enforce it, nobody will pay,” he added.
“So, we believe that this is the last time. We are not going to extend any further.”
The minister made it clear that the enforcement process will be decisive. Properties belonging to defaulters will be sealed, and ownership will revert to the FCT Administration.
“If you have not paid, we will seal up the premises and the property then becomes the property of the FCT Administration,” he warned.
During the inspection tour, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of several ongoing road projects. At the construction of Road N2—linking the Central Area to Wuse—handled by Levante Construction Ltd, the minister said the contractors had assured that the vital corridor would be completed by the end of May 2026.
He also visited Arterial Road N5, a major project being executed by Julius Berger.
“For those of you familiar with this project, we have been here several times when the connecting bridge was ongoing,” Wike said. He disclosed that Julius Berger has promised delivery by January 2026.
“We are very happy with the quality of the job done. In fact, where we are standing is amazing,” he added.
Wike further revealed that Transit Way N2 is being funded under emergency provisions, while Arterial Road N5 will receive adequate funding in the 2025 FCT budget.
Responding to questions about when the newly commissioned bus terminals would fully commence operations, he explained that the selection of operators is still in progress.
“You know it is a contract. The procurement is ongoing and we also want to see the number of fleet that they have,” Wike said.
With enforcement set to begin Wednesday, many FCT property owners may find themselves racing against time—before the government locks up and takes over their assets.
